How to Deal When Her Friends Have More (Or Less) Money Than You

Talking about money can make even the bravest, strongest among us
squirm. Many of us were brought up to believe it’s impolite or even
flat-out rude to bring up income, wealth, or financial struggles in
conversation. But let’s face facts: Kids want to be like other kids,
and when money matters come into play, they can feel ashamed about
having less—or guilty over having more—than their friends. Financial
inequality can be tricky for adults to navigate without having hurt
feelings, but when you’re a child and are just learning about these
things, it can be even harder to wrap your head around something that
can seem unfair and beyond their control.

Obviously, regardless of your family’s financial situation, it’s
important to help your girl realize and value the intangibles that she
is rich in, above all else. She’s likely rich in friends, love,
safety, joy, and so much more. And those are all things money can’t
buy. Still, celebrating those things might not erase the hurt feelings
that can happen when wealth inequality shows its face on the school playground.

It’s only natural for a girl to feel left out if she can’t afford to
go the concert all her friends are going to, or if she doesn’t have
the money to get the sneakers all her friends are rocking this year.
“Don’t ignore her feelings,” says Girl Scouts Developmental
Psychologist Andrea Bastiani Archibald. “Tell her that you understand
why she’s disappointed, and then work together to try to find
solutions to her real problem.” For example, if she’s worried about
missing out on time with her friends at the concert, suggest that she
invite friends over for a free or inexpensive activity that the girls
can all get excited about, and that she can feel ownership of—like a
sleepover, an afternoon of baking cookies, or a weekend picnic and
afternoon soccer game. If she wants a certain brand of clothing or a
particular video game that your family can’t afford to buy for her,
help her save up for it herself. “Of course you should discuss what
she can spend her own money on, but if it’s something reasonably
appropriate that will make her feel like one of the group at school,
there’s no need to discourage it—it just might take her a while to
gather enough money!”

Another tool that can help combat the left-out feeling is
confidence. Every girl in school could be wearing a certain
brand of jeans, but if your daughter shows up in something totally
different (i.e. something your family can actually afford!)—and wears
it with pride and confidence—others might take note and start
following her lead. Sometimes being different or not having as many
resources available to you can actually help you be a leader!

All this said, sometimes kids with more money than their peers get
teased or shunned on the playground—and that can feel rotten, too. If
other children in your girl’s class—or even her friends!—call her
“spoiled” or accuse her of “showing-off,” it could be because they
feel uncomfortable about not having as much as she does; but it could
also be a sign that your daughter is being anything-but-modest about
the things she has and places she gets to go. “Of course she feels
excited about the new outfit she got over the weekend, or wants to
talk about the vacation your family took over break,” says Dr.
Bastiani Archibald, “but what she might not realize is that the other
kids don’t have the same access to those pricier things.” Tell her
that although it’s fun to share the things we’re excited about with
friends, it’s important to not seem boastful about them, since that
can lead to hurt feelings.

Talking directly about money matters can take some getting used to,
but the more you discuss dollars (and sense) with your children, the
more they’ll realize their financial status is nothing to be ashamed
of. Bonus? Talking about money with your girl today will help set her
up for a brighter financial future tomorrow. Win, win!